| In recent years there has been an increase in the use | | | | operate in IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) |
| of helicopters by law enforcement. Helicopters provide | | | | which is flight solely referenced to the flight instruments. |
| a clear advantage to law enforcement. They offer | | | | Some departments have forward looking infra red |
| speed, a bird's eye perspective, and the use of | | | | while others only have a spot light and others fly using |
| specialized sensors such as infrared that enable them | | | | night vision goggles. |
| to "see" in the dark. A career flying law enforcement | | | | Law enforcement flying for the most part is done |
| helicopters is definitely within your reach and can offer | | | | close to the ground. Law enforcement helicopters are |
| excitement as well as financial rewards and job | | | | usually trying to find people and vehicles that are |
| security. | | | | hidden or are trying to evade and/or escape. Because |
| Most, but not all law enforcement agencies require that | | | | of this pilots who fly law enforcement helicopters must |
| you be a law enforcement officer before you become | | | | remain vigilant for obstructions such as towers and |
| a pilot. This means attending the police academy and | | | | wires. |
| spending time in a patrol car or walking a beat. This will | | | | Pay for law enforcement pilots covers a wide range. |
| expose you to the situations that police officers on the | | | | As you might expect larger organizations receive |
| ground encounter daily and you'll be better able to | | | | more pay than smaller organizations. Pay can range |
| determine the best way to assist with an air unit. | | | | from $40,000 per year to $100,000 per year. The |
| Some police aviation units, like the Maryland State | | | | benefits received are what any police officer would be |
| Police Aviation Unit, are comprised of civilians. Others | | | | entitled to such as a pension, health and dental care. |
| hire agencies to provide the helicopters and the pilots. | | | | Law enforcement flying can be very exciting and |
| The scope and depth of law enforcement operations | | | | rewarding. Each police department has its own |
| varies with the department. In general, larger | | | | guidelines on how it recruits and trains its pilots. If you're |
| departments have more capabilities than smaller | | | | interested in flying for a certain department contact |
| departments. Some departments fly under VMC | | | | them and ask about their requirements. You also may |
| (visual meteorological conditions) only which means | | | | want to speak to one of their pilots. They're usually |
| they need to be able to see the horizon to maintain | | | | very willing to share information. |
| the proper orientation of the aircraft while others | | | | |